We continue with the project – in collaboration with ASICS, technical sponsor of the Milano Marathon – to tell how running helps us improve; not only physically but also mentally.
Today we host the story that Stefania sent us.
Ready? Go!
Hello everyone! I have often thought about writing my testimony but always believed that I did not have something so interesting to tell.
This time, however, the theme “How did running a marathon change you?” is very inspiring to me because it touched me so closely.
I’ve been running “seriously” (meaning methodically and organizationally, certainly not for results) for about 10 years, and in 2018 together with a group of friends I wanted to try running the queen distance, specifically the Ravenna Marathon held in November of that year.
It was hard, very hard, both the competition and the months of preparation. Waking up at dawn for 5,000-meter repeats, personal bests on the half marathon during training and all the running that followed. When I think about it now, it still doesn’t seem possible that my body and head were able to cope with that journey. Now, after 2 years of lockdown in which I inevitably failed to engage due to stopping racing, I seem to struggle immensely to run distances of 8-10 km.
However, that long period of preparation fortified and strengthened me, especially mentally, I got used to enduring fatigue, overcoming difficulties and unexpected events. This was the most important lesson for me, beyond the outcome or goals. And I had the good fortune and joy to accomplish this together with Edi, a friend who is very important to me.
The following year, in 2019, I decided to leave what I called my “work comfort zone,” drastically changing industries. I chose to work in an R.S.A. and, after a short time, unfortunately we were overwhelmed by CoViD. For me it was a double trauma because the tsunami came after only a few months of work, in which I was still not fully aware of the reality I was in. I was not fully familiar with the normal operation of an H.S.R., let alone in a worldwide pandemic context.
If I had not been mentally toughened by marathon preparation, I’m sure I would have gone into a slump. Daily running has always been an outlet that has allowed me to deal more clearly with the many problems I have encountered. My new “boss” moreover is Edi herself, with whom thanks (also) to running we have developed an ability to work together in harmony, facing daily challenges with tenacity. Running is not always a solitary sport, and sharing the effort also helps to understand and know each other better.
The well-being at the end of training always leaves me with a smile and serenity with which I try to face everyday life, striving to improve my approach to others. I believe that this attitude, positive and openness, was key to not giving in to the fatigue and sense of helplessness that prevailed.
Try it, you will be rewarded.
ASICS really means Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, indicating how much mind and body are connected and how much the brand makes this its banner. The complete vision of man composed of “soul” and “body” are also the fruit of the latest ASICS “Uplift your mind” campaign, related to mental well-being achieved through running.
Editor’s note: The photo of the person on the cover is not related to the author of the post